“At first I bought only dividend-paying stocks outright. Then I bought for a rise, but still outright. Then I got in with a fellow who claimed to know all about it. I bought on a margin. There came a slump. I met the margins because I am sure there will be a rally, but now all my fortune is in the thing. I'm going to be penniless. I'll lose it all.” “Ah!” said Thorpe. “And the name of Carpenter is so old-established, so honorable!” cried the unhappy boy, “and my sister!” “Easy!” warned Thorpe. “Being penniless isn't the worst thing that can happen to a man.” “No; but I am in debt,” went on the boy more calmly. “I have given notes. When they come due, I'm a goner.” “How much?” asked Thorpe laconically. “Thirty thousand dollars.” “Well, you have that amount in this firm.” “What do you mean?” “If you want it, you can have it.” Wallace considered a moment. “That would leave me without a cent,” he replied. “But it would save your commercial honor.” “Harry,” cried Wallace suddenly, “couldn't this firm go on my note for thirty thousand more? Its credit is good, and that amount would save my margins.” “You are partner,” replied Thorpe, “your signature is as good as mine in this firm.” “But you know I wouldn't do it without your consent,” replied Wallace reproachfully. “Oh, Harry!” cried the boy, “when you needed the amount, I let you have it!” Thorpe smiled. “You know you can have it, if it's to be had, Wallace. I wasn't hesitating on that account. I was merely trying to figure out where we can raise such a sum as sixty thousand dollars. We haven't got it.” “But you'll never have to pay it,” assured Wallace eagerly. “If I can save my margins, I'll be all right.” “A man has to figure on paying whatever he puts his signature to,” asserted Thorpe. “I can give you our note payable at the end of a year. Then I'll hustle in enough timber to make up the amount. It means we don't get our railroad, that's all.” “I knew you'd help me out. Now it's all right,” said Wallace, with a relieved air. Thorpe shook his head. He was already trying to figure how to increase his cut to thirty million feet. “I'll do it,” he muttered to himself, after Wallace had gone out to visit the mill. “I've been demanding success of others for a good many years; now I'll demand it of myself.” PART IV. THORPE'S DREAM GIRL Chapter XXXVII